As of 2025, there is no standalone “Real Estate Registration Board” in Kenya dedicated solely to registering property agents or developers. However, real estate registration and oversight are managed through a well-established legal and institutional framework involving key government bodies and professional associations.
Understanding how property, agents, and transactions are registered is crucial for buyers, investors, and practitioners to ensure legality and protect their investments.
🏛️ Who Handles Real Estate Registration in Kenya?
While there’s no single “board,” the following institutions perform the registration and regulatory functions:
1. Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK)
âś… Role: The official body that registers and licenses real estate salespersons and brokers
âś… Legal Basis: Land Act (2012), Section 41
âś… What They Register:
- Real estate agents and brokers
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD) compliance
âś… Requirements to Register: - KCSE (C+ or above)
- Completion of ISK-accredited real estate course
- Certificate of Good Conduct
- KRA PIN and ID
✅ Public Access: - Verify agents at www.isk.or.ke → “Find a Member”
⚠️ Penalty for Unlicensed Practice:
- Fine up to KSh 500,000
- Or 5 years in prison
- Or both
2. Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning
âś… Role: Registers land ownership and title deeds
âś… Key Functions:
- Issues title deeds (Freehold, Leasehold, Sub-Divided)
- Maintains the Central Land Registry
- Approves subdivisions and transfers
✅ Digital Platform: - Ardhisasa – Online land searches, e-payments, and transfer applications
- Access via e-citizen
âś… What You Can Do Online:
- Conduct land searches
- Pay stamp duty and land rent
- Apply for title transfers and caveats
3. Law Society of Kenya (LSK)
âś… Role: Regulates advocates who handle property transactions
âś… Why It Matters:
- Only LSK-licensed lawyers can conduct due diligence and file transfers
- Ensures legal compliance and client protection
4. National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)
âś… Role: Approves real estate developments for environmental compliance
âś… Requirement:
- Developers must submit an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
- No construction can begin without NEMA approval
5. County Governments
âś… Role: Issue development permits and building approvals
âś… Responsibilities:
- Zoning and land use planning
- Inspection of construction projects
- Collection of development fees
📝 What “Registration” Means in Kenyan Real Estate
| Agent Registration | Licensing of real estate salespersons | ISK |
| Property Registration | Issuance of title deeds and ownership records | Ministry of Lands |
| Developer Compliance | Approval of projects (NEMA, County, ISK agents) | NEMA + County + ISK |
| Advocate Registration | Licensing of lawyers handling conveyancing | LSK |
🔍 How to Verify Registration
1. Check if an Agent is Registered with ISK
- Visit www.isk.or.ke
- Click “Find a Member”
- Search by name or license number
2. Verify a Title Deed
- Use Ardhisasa on e-citizen to conduct a land search
- Confirm ownership, encumbrances, and title status
3. Confirm Project Approvals
- Ask for:
- NEMA Certificate of Approval
- County Development Permit
- Surveyor’s Subdivision Approval
❌ Why There’s No “Real Estate Registration Board” (Yet)
Despite calls from industry players, Kenya has not established a single, centralized board for real estate like in some countries. Instead, regulation is shared across multiple bodies.
However, there are ongoing discussions to create a Kenya Real Estate Developers Authority to:
- License developers
- Maintain a public registry of approved projects
- Protect buyers from fraud and delays
Until then, buyers must rely on existing institutions for protection.
FAQs
Q: Is there a Real Estate Registration Board in Kenya?
A: No—there is no standalone board. Registration is handled by ISK (agents), Ministry of Lands (property), and County Governments (developments).
Q: How do I register as a real estate agent in Kenya?
A:
- Complete an ISK-accredited real estate course
- Apply for registration with ISK
- Pay fees and receive your license
- Renew annually with CPD
Q: Can I verify a property title online?
A: Yes—use Ardhisasa on e-citizen to conduct a land search and confirm ownership.
Q: What happens if I buy from an unlicensed agent?
A: You risk fraud, no legal recourse, and loss of investment. Always use an ISK-licensed agent.
Q: Are all real estate developers registered?
A: Not directly—but they must work with registered agents, NEMA-approved plans, and county permits to operate legally.
